US20060266531A1 - Sealed branch wellbore transition joint - Google Patents
Sealed branch wellbore transition joint Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060266531A1 US20060266531A1 US11/409,724 US40972406A US2006266531A1 US 20060266531 A1 US20060266531 A1 US 20060266531A1 US 40972406 A US40972406 A US 40972406A US 2006266531 A1 US2006266531 A1 US 2006266531A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- wellbore
- assembly
- sealing material
- seal
- diverter
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/0035—Apparatus or methods for multilateral well technology, e.g. for the completion of or workover on wells with one or more lateral branches
- E21B41/0042—Apparatus or methods for multilateral well technology, e.g. for the completion of or workover on wells with one or more lateral branches characterised by sealing the junction between a lateral and a main bore
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
- E21B33/12—Packers; Plugs
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to operations performed and equipment utilized in conjunction with a subterranean well and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a sealed branch wellbore transition joint.
- a transition joint is used in completing some multilateral wells, for example, in TAML “Level 3” multilateral completions.
- the transition joint provides a useful transition between a parent wellbore and a branch wellbore drilled-outwardly from the parent wellbore.
- Such systems and methods could include an improved sealed branch wellbore transition joint.
- a sealed branch wellbore transition joint is provided for use in well completion systems and methods.
- a swelling sealing material is preferably used on the transition joint in order to seal off a formation surrounding an intersection between parent and branch wellbores.
- a method of completing a well having intersecting wellbores includes the steps of: positioning a diverter in one of the wellbores; diverting an assembly from the wellbore into another wellbore; and swelling a sealing material on the assembly, so that a seal is formed between the assembly and the diverter.
- the sealing material may be used to form other seals in the method, as well.
- a seal may be formed between the diverter and a wellbore, between the assembly and a window at the intersection of the wellbores, and/or between the assembly and a wellbore.
- the assembly may be expanded prior to, after, or during swelling of the sealing material.
- a completion system for a well having intersecting wellbores.
- the system includes a diverter positioned in one of the wellbores, and an assembly extending laterally across the wellbore. A sealing material on the assembly is swollen so that a seal is formed between the assembly and the diverter.
- a method of completing a well having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore includes the steps of: positioning an assembly in the window; and swelling a sealing material on the assembly. A seal is formed between the assembly and the window by the swelling sealing material.
- a completion system for a well having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore is provided.
- the system includes a tubular string having a portion positioned within the window, and a sealing material on the tubular string portion. The sealing material swells in the well to thereby form a seal between the tubular string portion and the window.
- a completion system for a well having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore includes an assembly positioned in the parent wellbore, the assembly having an opening formed through a sidewall thereof. The opening is aligned with the window. A sealing material is positioned on the assembly. The sealing material swells in the well to thereby form a seal circumferentially about the opening.
- a method of completing a well having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore includes the steps of: positioning an assembly in the parent wellbore; forming an opening through a sidewall of the assembly; aligning the assembly with the window; and swelling a sealing material on the assembly, so that a seal is formed about the opening.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic partially cross-sectional view of a first well completion system embodying principles of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic partially cross-sectional view of the first system, wherein a branch wellbore transition joint has been sealed;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic partially cross-sectional view of a second well completion system embodying principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic partially cross-sectional view of the second system, wherein an intersection between wellbores has been sealed.
- FIG. 5 is a somewhat enlarged scale schematic cross-sectional view of an alternate configuration of the first system.
- a main or parent wellbore 12 has been drilled, and then lined with protective casing 14 .
- the parent wellbore 12 may extend continuously to the earth's surface, or it may be a branch of another wellbore. It is not necessary in keeping with the principles of the invention for the parent wellbore 12 to be cased, since it could be completed open hole if desired. If the parent wellbore 12 is cased, then the wellbore can be considered the interior of the casing 14 .
- a branch wellbore 16 is drilled extending outwardly from a window 18 formed through a sidewall of the casing 14 .
- the window 18 can be formed before or after the casing 14 is installed in the parent wellbore 12 .
- the window 18 could be formed by anchoring a whipstock (not shown in FIG. 1 , see FIG. 5 ) in the casing 14 , and then deflecting a mill laterally off of the whipstock to cut the window through the casing sidewall.
- a formation or zone 20 surrounds the intersection between the parent and branch wellbores 12 , 16 .
- an assembly 22 is positioned in the window 18 .
- the assembly 22 is depicted in FIG. 1 as including a tubular string 24 having a transition joint 26 interconnected therein.
- a lower end of the tubular string 24 is deflected into the branch wellbore 16 , for example, by using the whipstock or other deflector positioned in the parent wellbore 12 .
- the tubular string 24 could be cemented in the branch wellbore 16 , if desired.
- the transition joint 26 has an opening 28 formed through a sidewall thereof.
- the opening 28 may be formed in the sidewall of the transition joint 26 before or after the transition joint is installed in the well.
- the opening 28 provides fluid communication (and preferably access) between an interior of the tubular string 24 and the parent wellbore 12 external to the tubular string below the window 18 .
- a sealing material 30 is provided on the transition joint 26 .
- the sealing material 30 is provided in the form of a coating adhered externally to the transition joint 26 .
- other methods of attaching the sealing material 30 to the transition joint 26 may be used in keeping with the principles of the invention.
- the sealing material 30 swells when exposed to fluid in the well.
- the sealing material 30 increases in volume and expands radially outward when a particular fluid contacts the sealing material in the well.
- the sealing material 30 could swell in response to exposure to hydrocarbon fluid (such as oil or gas), or in response to exposure to water in the well.
- the sealing material 30 could be made of a specialized rubber compound, or it could be made of other materials. Acceptable materials for the sealing material 30 are available from Easywell A. S. of Stavanger, Norway.
- the system 10 is depicted after the sealing material 30 has swollen in the window 18 .
- a seal 32 is now formed by the swollen sealing material 30 between the transition joint 26 and the window 18 .
- This seal 32 may be used to prevent fines, sand, etc. from migrating from the formation 20 into the parent wellbore 12 .
- the tubular string 24 could be cemented in the branch wellbore 16 before or after the seal 32 is formed.
- the swollen sealing material 30 can (but does not necessarily) provide another seal 34 between the transition joint 26 and the casing 14 in the parent wellbore 12 .
- This seal 34 can be used as an annular barrier above the opening 28 . Note that the opening 28 is conveniently positioned between the seals 32 , 34 for providing fluid communication between the interior of the tubular string 24 and the parent wellbore 12 below the window 18 .
- FIG. 3 another completion system 40 embodying principles of the invention is representatively illustrated.
- the system 40 is similar in many respects to the system 10 described above, and so elements of the system 40 which are similar to those described above are indicated in FIG. 3 using the same reference numbers.
- the system 40 differs from the system 10 in at least one significant respect in that, instead of positioning the tubular string 24 in the parent and branch wellbores 12 , 16 , an assembly 42 is positioned in the parent wellbore opposite the window 18 .
- the assembly 42 includes a tubular structure 44 having the sealing material 30 externally secured thereto.
- a tubular string 46 such as a liner string, is positioned in the branch wellbore 16 .
- the tubular string 46 is preferably positioned in the branch wellbore 16 prior to positioning the assembly 42 in the parent wellbore 12 .
- the tubular string 46 may be cemented in the branch wellbore 16 , for example, between the window 18 and a packer 48 set in the branch wellbore, or the tubular string may be otherwise cemented or left uncemented in the branch wellbore.
- An upper end 50 of the tubular string 46 may extend to the parent wellbore 12 , where it may be cut off, such as by use of a washover tool, etc.
- the assembly 42 When the assembly 42 is positioned in the parent wellbore 12 , it may have an opening 52 formed through its sidewall. This opening 52 may be rotationally aligned with the window 18 by engagement between a latch 54 of the assembly 42 and an orienting profile 56 of the casing string 14 . This engagement may also anchor the assembly 42 in the casing string 14 .
- the opening 52 could be formed after the assembly 42 has been positioned in the parent wellbore 12 .
- a deflector such as a whipstock
- a cutting tool such as a mill
- the opening 52 could be formed through the sidewall of the assembly 42 after the sealing material 30 has swelled.
- the system 40 is representatively illustrated after the sealing material 30 has swelled.
- the sealing material 30 may be swollen by exposure to fluid in the well, such as hydrocarbon fluid or water, etc. A volume of the sealing material 30 increases as it swells.
- a sealed flowpath 58 is now provided between the branch wellbore 16 and the parent wellbore 12 through an interior of the assembly 42 .
- This flowpath 58 is isolated from the formation 20 surrounding the intersection between the parent and branch wellbores 12 , 16 .
- the sealing material 30 now forms a seal 60 between the assembly 42 and the interior of the casing string 14 circumferentially about the opening 52 and circumferentially about the window 18 .
- the sealing material 30 also preferably sealingly engages the upper end 50 of the tubular string 46 and seals circumferentially thereabout.
- the swollen sealing material 30 forms an annular seal 62 between the tubular structure 44 and the interior of the casing string 14 both above and below the window 18 .
- the system 10 is representatively illustrated in an alternate configuration.
- the sealing material 30 forms a seal 66 at an upper end of a diverter 68 positioned in the parent wellbore 12 .
- the diverter 68 could be used in forming the window 18 and/or in deflecting the lower end of the assembly 22 into the branch wellbore 16 from the parent wellbore 12 .
- the diverter 68 could be of the type known to those skilled in the art as a drilling whipstock, completions diverter, or another type of diverter.
- the diverter 68 has a passage 70 formed completely longitudinally through the diverter. In this manner, the passage 70 permits flow communication and access between the parent wellbore 12 above and below the window 18 .
- the opening 28 may be formed prior to or after installing the assembly 22 . Any method may be used for forming the opening 28 , including but not limited to milling, perforating (e.g., prior to or instead of milling), chemical cutting, etc.
- the seal 66 is formed at the top of the diverter 68 and extends circumferentially about the passage 70 , so that sealed communication is provided between the passage and the interior of the assembly 22 .
- This seal 66 may serve as a backup to the seal 32 , in order to prevent sand, fines, debris, etc. from entering the parent wellbore 12 from the formation 20 and the wellbore junction, or the seal 66 could be used in place of the seal 32 . In the latter case, use of the seal 66 may eliminate any need to seal against the window 18 , which may have an irregular interior surface that could be difficult to seal against.
- the seal 66 may be used to prevent the cement or other substance from flowing into the passage 70 and remainder of the parent wellbore 12 .
- the sealing material 30 could also be used on the diverter 68 to form a seal 72 between the diverter and the interior of the casing string 14 .
- the diverter 68 could be provided with a latch and orienting profile (similar to the latch 54 and orienting profile 56 described above) to orient and anchor the diverter in the casing string 14 , and the sealing material 30 could swell to seal between the diverter and the interior of the casing string (similar to the manner in which the sealing material seals between the tubular structure 44 and the interior of the casing string as depicted in FIG. 4 ).
- the tubular string 24 is preferably expanded radially outward after being positioned at the wellbore junction with its lower end in the branch wellbore 16 . In this manner, clearance between the tubular string 24 and the window 18 , casing string 14 and upper end of the diverter 68 can be reduced. This reduced clearance will enhance the formation and maintenance of the seals 32 , 34 , 66 .
- a swage, drift, rollers, etc. may be used to mechanically deform the tubular string 24 radially outward.
- increased pressure may be applied internally to the tubular string 24 to inflate it. Any method of expanding the tubular string 24 may be used in keeping with the principles of the invention.
- Swelling of the sealing material 30 may be initiated before, during and/or after the expansion of the tubular string 24 .
- the swelling is initiated after the clearance between the tubular string 24 and the structure(s) (casing string 14 , window 18 and/or diverter 68 ) against which the sealing material 30 will seal has been reduced.
- this expansion process may be used in the system 10 depicted in FIGS. 1 & 2 and described above, and may also be used in the system 40 depicted in FIGS. 3 & 4 and described above.
- the tubular string 24 could be expanded in the system 10 of FIGS. 1 & 2
- the tubular structure 44 could be expanded in the system 40 of FIGS. 3 & 4 .
- the systems 10 , 40 have been described above as including the seals 32 , 34 , 60 , 62 , 66 , it should be clearly understood that it is not necessary for the respective systems to include all or any particular combination of these seals. Any one, and any combination of, the seals 32 , 34 , 60 , 62 , 66 , and any other seals may be provided in the systems 10 , 40 in keeping with the principles of the invention.
- sealing material 30 has been depicted in the drawings as being a single element, it will be readily appreciated that the sealing material could be formed in multiple separate elements, if desired.
- any of the seals 32 , 34 , 60 , 62 , 66 , and any combination of these, could be formed by separate portions of the sealing material 30 .
Abstract
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/767,656 filed Jan. 29, 2004. The entire disclosure of this prior application is incorporated herein by this reference.
- The present invention relates generally to operations performed and equipment utilized in conjunction with a subterranean well and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a sealed branch wellbore transition joint.
- A transition joint is used in completing some multilateral wells, for example, in TAML “Level 3” multilateral completions. As the name implies, the transition joint provides a useful transition between a parent wellbore and a branch wellbore drilled-outwardly from the parent wellbore.
- Unfortunately, it is a difficult problem to seal off a formation surrounding the intersection between the parent and branch wellbores from the parent wellbore. Where a sufficient seal is not provided, formation fines and sand can make their way into the parent wellbore, where they can plug or erode production equipment and cause other problems.
- Therefore, it may be seen that it would be beneficial to provide improved well completion systems and methods. Such systems and methods could include an improved sealed branch wellbore transition joint.
- In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, a sealed branch wellbore transition joint is provided for use in well completion systems and methods. A swelling sealing material is preferably used on the transition joint in order to seal off a formation surrounding an intersection between parent and branch wellbores.
- In one aspect of the invention, a method of completing a well having intersecting wellbores is provided. The method includes the steps of: positioning a diverter in one of the wellbores; diverting an assembly from the wellbore into another wellbore; and swelling a sealing material on the assembly, so that a seal is formed between the assembly and the diverter.
- The sealing material may be used to form other seals in the method, as well. For example, a seal may be formed between the diverter and a wellbore, between the assembly and a window at the intersection of the wellbores, and/or between the assembly and a wellbore. In addition, the assembly may be expanded prior to, after, or during swelling of the sealing material.
- In another aspect of the invention, a completion system is provided for a well having intersecting wellbores. The system includes a diverter positioned in one of the wellbores, and an assembly extending laterally across the wellbore. A sealing material on the assembly is swollen so that a seal is formed between the assembly and the diverter.
- In a further aspect of the invention, a method of completing a well having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore is provided. The method includes the steps of: positioning an assembly in the window; and swelling a sealing material on the assembly. A seal is formed between the assembly and the window by the swelling sealing material.
- In a still further aspect of the invention, a completion system for a well having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore is provided. The system includes a tubular string having a portion positioned within the window, and a sealing material on the tubular string portion. The sealing material swells in the well to thereby form a seal between the tubular string portion and the window.
- In yet another aspect of the invention, a completion system for a well having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore includes an assembly positioned in the parent wellbore, the assembly having an opening formed through a sidewall thereof. The opening is aligned with the window. A sealing material is positioned on the assembly. The sealing material swells in the well to thereby form a seal circumferentially about the opening.
- In a further aspect of the invention, a method of completing a well having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore includes the steps of: positioning an assembly in the parent wellbore; forming an opening through a sidewall of the assembly; aligning the assembly with the window; and swelling a sealing material on the assembly, so that a seal is formed about the opening.
- These and other features, advantages, benefits and objects of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful consideration of the detailed description of representative embodiments of the invention hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are indicated in the various figures using the same reference numbers.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic partially cross-sectional view of a first well completion system embodying principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic partially cross-sectional view of the first system, wherein a branch wellbore transition joint has been sealed; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic partially cross-sectional view of a second well completion system embodying principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic partially cross-sectional view of the second system, wherein an intersection between wellbores has been sealed; and -
FIG. 5 is a somewhat enlarged scale schematic cross-sectional view of an alternate configuration of the first system. - It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various configurations, without departing from the principles of the present invention. The embodiments are described merely as examples of useful applications of the principles of the invention, which is not limited to any specific details of these embodiments.
- In the following description of the representative embodiments of the invention, directional terms, such as “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, etc., are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. In general, “above”, “upper”, “upward” and similar terms refer to a direction toward the earth's surface along a wellbore, and “below”, “lower”, “downward” and similar terms refer to a direction away from the earth's surface along the wellbore.
- As depicted in
FIG. 1 , a main orparent wellbore 12 has been drilled, and then lined withprotective casing 14. Theparent wellbore 12 may extend continuously to the earth's surface, or it may be a branch of another wellbore. It is not necessary in keeping with the principles of the invention for theparent wellbore 12 to be cased, since it could be completed open hole if desired. If theparent wellbore 12 is cased, then the wellbore can be considered the interior of thecasing 14. - A
branch wellbore 16 is drilled extending outwardly from awindow 18 formed through a sidewall of thecasing 14. Thewindow 18 can be formed before or after thecasing 14 is installed in theparent wellbore 12. For example, thewindow 18 could be formed by anchoring a whipstock (not shown inFIG. 1 , seeFIG. 5 ) in thecasing 14, and then deflecting a mill laterally off of the whipstock to cut the window through the casing sidewall. - A formation or
zone 20 surrounds the intersection between the parent andbranch wellbores formation 20 from the interior of theparent wellbore 12, while also providing a useful transition between the parent andbranch wellbores assembly 22 is positioned in thewindow 18. Theassembly 22 is depicted inFIG. 1 as including atubular string 24 having atransition joint 26 interconnected therein. - A lower end of the
tubular string 24 is deflected into thebranch wellbore 16, for example, by using the whipstock or other deflector positioned in theparent wellbore 12. Thetubular string 24 could be cemented in thebranch wellbore 16, if desired. - The
transition joint 26 has an opening 28 formed through a sidewall thereof. The opening 28 may be formed in the sidewall of thetransition joint 26 before or after the transition joint is installed in the well. The opening 28 provides fluid communication (and preferably access) between an interior of thetubular string 24 and theparent wellbore 12 external to the tubular string below thewindow 18. - A sealing
material 30 is provided on thetransition joint 26. Preferably, thesealing material 30 is provided in the form of a coating adhered externally to thetransition joint 26. However, other methods of attaching the sealingmaterial 30 to thetransition joint 26 may be used in keeping with the principles of the invention. - The sealing
material 30 swells when exposed to fluid in the well. Preferably, the sealingmaterial 30 increases in volume and expands radially outward when a particular fluid contacts the sealing material in the well. For example, the sealingmaterial 30 could swell in response to exposure to hydrocarbon fluid (such as oil or gas), or in response to exposure to water in the well. - The sealing
material 30 could be made of a specialized rubber compound, or it could be made of other materials. Acceptable materials for the sealingmaterial 30 are available from Easywell A. S. of Stavanger, Norway. - Referring additionally now to
FIG. 2 , thesystem 10 is depicted after the sealingmaterial 30 has swollen in thewindow 18. Note that aseal 32 is now formed by theswollen sealing material 30 between the transition joint 26 and thewindow 18. Thisseal 32 may be used to prevent fines, sand, etc. from migrating from theformation 20 into theparent wellbore 12. Thetubular string 24 could be cemented in the branch wellbore 16 before or after theseal 32 is formed. - In addition, the
swollen sealing material 30 can (but does not necessarily) provide anotherseal 34 between the transition joint 26 and thecasing 14 in theparent wellbore 12. Thisseal 34 can be used as an annular barrier above theopening 28. Note that theopening 28 is conveniently positioned between theseals tubular string 24 and the parent wellbore 12 below thewindow 18. - Referring additionally now to
FIG. 3 , anothercompletion system 40 embodying principles of the invention is representatively illustrated. Thesystem 40 is similar in many respects to thesystem 10 described above, and so elements of thesystem 40 which are similar to those described above are indicated inFIG. 3 using the same reference numbers. - The
system 40 differs from thesystem 10 in at least one significant respect in that, instead of positioning thetubular string 24 in the parent andbranch wellbores assembly 42 is positioned in the parent wellbore opposite thewindow 18. Theassembly 42 includes atubular structure 44 having the sealingmaterial 30 externally secured thereto. In addition, atubular string 46, such as a liner string, is positioned in thebranch wellbore 16. - The
tubular string 46 is preferably positioned in the branch wellbore 16 prior to positioning theassembly 42 in theparent wellbore 12. Thetubular string 46 may be cemented in the branch wellbore 16, for example, between thewindow 18 and apacker 48 set in the branch wellbore, or the tubular string may be otherwise cemented or left uncemented in the branch wellbore. Anupper end 50 of thetubular string 46 may extend to the parent wellbore 12, where it may be cut off, such as by use of a washover tool, etc. - When the
assembly 42 is positioned in the parent wellbore 12, it may have anopening 52 formed through its sidewall. Thisopening 52 may be rotationally aligned with thewindow 18 by engagement between alatch 54 of theassembly 42 and an orientingprofile 56 of thecasing string 14. This engagement may also anchor theassembly 42 in thecasing string 14. - Alternatively, the
opening 52 could be formed after theassembly 42 has been positioned in theparent wellbore 12. For example, a deflector (such as a whipstock) could be secured in theassembly 42 and used to deflect a cutting tool (such as a mill) to form theopening 52 through the assembly sidewall after the assembly is anchored in thecasing string 14. Furthermore, theopening 52 could be formed through the sidewall of theassembly 42 after the sealingmaterial 30 has swelled. - Referring additionally now to
FIG. 4 , thesystem 40 is representatively illustrated after the sealingmaterial 30 has swelled. The sealingmaterial 30 may be swollen by exposure to fluid in the well, such as hydrocarbon fluid or water, etc. A volume of the sealingmaterial 30 increases as it swells. - A sealed
flowpath 58 is now provided between the branch wellbore 16 and the parent wellbore 12 through an interior of theassembly 42. Thisflowpath 58 is isolated from theformation 20 surrounding the intersection between the parent andbranch wellbores - Specifically, the sealing
material 30 now forms aseal 60 between theassembly 42 and the interior of thecasing string 14 circumferentially about theopening 52 and circumferentially about thewindow 18. The sealingmaterial 30 also preferably sealingly engages theupper end 50 of thetubular string 46 and seals circumferentially thereabout. In addition, theswollen sealing material 30 forms anannular seal 62 between thetubular structure 44 and the interior of thecasing string 14 both above and below thewindow 18. - Referring additionally now to
FIG. 5 , thesystem 10 is representatively illustrated in an alternate configuration. In this alternate configuration, the sealingmaterial 30 forms aseal 66 at an upper end of adiverter 68 positioned in theparent wellbore 12. - As described above, the
diverter 68 could be used in forming thewindow 18 and/or in deflecting the lower end of theassembly 22 into the branch wellbore 16 from theparent wellbore 12. Thus, thediverter 68 could be of the type known to those skilled in the art as a drilling whipstock, completions diverter, or another type of diverter. - Note that the
diverter 68 has apassage 70 formed completely longitudinally through the diverter. In this manner, thepassage 70 permits flow communication and access between the parent wellbore 12 above and below thewindow 18. - As with the
system 10 as depicted inFIGS. 1 & 2 , theopening 28 may be formed prior to or after installing theassembly 22. Any method may be used for forming theopening 28, including but not limited to milling, perforating (e.g., prior to or instead of milling), chemical cutting, etc. - The
seal 66 is formed at the top of thediverter 68 and extends circumferentially about thepassage 70, so that sealed communication is provided between the passage and the interior of theassembly 22. Thisseal 66 may serve as a backup to theseal 32, in order to prevent sand, fines, debris, etc. from entering the parent wellbore 12 from theformation 20 and the wellbore junction, or theseal 66 could be used in place of theseal 32. In the latter case, use of theseal 66 may eliminate any need to seal against thewindow 18, which may have an irregular interior surface that could be difficult to seal against. - In some situations, it may be desired to flow cement or another hardenable sealing substance into the wellbore junction area to seal about the
tubular string 24. In that case, theseal 66 may be used to prevent the cement or other substance from flowing into thepassage 70 and remainder of theparent wellbore 12. - The sealing
material 30 could also be used on thediverter 68 to form aseal 72 between the diverter and the interior of thecasing string 14. For example, thediverter 68 could be provided with a latch and orienting profile (similar to thelatch 54 and orientingprofile 56 described above) to orient and anchor the diverter in thecasing string 14, and the sealingmaterial 30 could swell to seal between the diverter and the interior of the casing string (similar to the manner in which the sealing material seals between thetubular structure 44 and the interior of the casing string as depicted inFIG. 4 ). - In the configuration of the
system 10 depicted inFIG. 5 , thetubular string 24 is preferably expanded radially outward after being positioned at the wellbore junction with its lower end in thebranch wellbore 16. In this manner, clearance between thetubular string 24 and thewindow 18,casing string 14 and upper end of thediverter 68 can be reduced. This reduced clearance will enhance the formation and maintenance of theseals - Various methods may be used to expand the
tubular string 24. For example, a swage, drift, rollers, etc. may be used to mechanically deform thetubular string 24 radially outward. As another example, increased pressure may be applied internally to thetubular string 24 to inflate it. Any method of expanding thetubular string 24 may be used in keeping with the principles of the invention. - Swelling of the sealing
material 30 may be initiated before, during and/or after the expansion of thetubular string 24. Preferably, the swelling is initiated after the clearance between thetubular string 24 and the structure(s) (casing string 14,window 18 and/or diverter 68) against which the sealingmaterial 30 will seal has been reduced. - Note that this expansion process may be used in the
system 10 depicted inFIGS. 1 & 2 and described above, and may also be used in thesystem 40 depicted inFIGS. 3 & 4 and described above. Thus, thetubular string 24 could be expanded in thesystem 10 ofFIGS. 1 & 2 , and thetubular structure 44 could be expanded in thesystem 40 ofFIGS. 3 & 4 . - In addition, although the
systems seals seals systems - Furthermore, although the sealing
material 30 has been depicted in the drawings as being a single element, it will be readily appreciated that the sealing material could be formed in multiple separate elements, if desired. For example, any of theseals material 30. - Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful consideration of the above description of representative embodiments of the invention, readily appreciate that many modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other changes may be made to these specific embodiments, and such changes are within the scope of the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (4)
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US11/409,724 US7584795B2 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2006-04-24 | Sealed branch wellbore transition joint |
CA2585489A CA2585489C (en) | 2006-04-24 | 2007-04-19 | Sealed branch wellbore transition joint |
NO20072086A NO339649B1 (en) | 2006-04-24 | 2007-04-23 | Method and system of completion for a well having intersecting first and second boreholes |
GB0707832A GB2437632B (en) | 2006-04-24 | 2007-04-23 | Sealed branch wellbore transition joint |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/767,656 US7213652B2 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2004-01-29 | Sealed branch wellbore transition joint |
US11/409,724 US7584795B2 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2006-04-24 | Sealed branch wellbore transition joint |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/767,656 Continuation-In-Part US7213652B2 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2004-01-29 | Sealed branch wellbore transition joint |
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US7584795B2 US7584795B2 (en) | 2009-09-08 |
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US11/409,724 Active 2024-08-20 US7584795B2 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2006-04-24 | Sealed branch wellbore transition joint |
Country Status (4)
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US (1) | US7584795B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2585489C (en) |
GB (1) | GB2437632B (en) |
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US20100307770A1 (en) * | 2009-06-09 | 2010-12-09 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Contaminant excluding junction and method |
WO2014133498A1 (en) * | 2013-02-27 | 2014-09-04 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | A mill diverter having a swellable material for preventing fluid flow past the material |
WO2015065321A1 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2015-05-07 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Downhole communication between wellbores utilizing swellable materials |
WO2015099910A1 (en) * | 2013-12-23 | 2015-07-02 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Screened production sleeve for multilateral junctions |
US9464502B2 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2016-10-11 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Mill diverter having a swellable material for preventing fluid flow past the material |
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GB2466133A (en) * | 2008-12-12 | 2010-06-16 | Smith International | Sealing two tubulars at a multilateral junction using a swellable seal |
US20100307770A1 (en) * | 2009-06-09 | 2010-12-09 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Contaminant excluding junction and method |
WO2010144583A2 (en) * | 2009-06-09 | 2010-12-16 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Contaminant excluding junction and method |
WO2010144583A3 (en) * | 2009-06-09 | 2011-03-17 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Contaminant excluding junction and method |
WO2014133498A1 (en) * | 2013-02-27 | 2014-09-04 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | A mill diverter having a swellable material for preventing fluid flow past the material |
CN105008653A (en) * | 2013-02-27 | 2015-10-28 | 哈利伯顿能源服务公司 | A mill diverter having a swellable material for preventing fluid flow past the material |
US9464502B2 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2016-10-11 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Mill diverter having a swellable material for preventing fluid flow past the material |
RU2635315C2 (en) * | 2013-02-27 | 2017-11-10 | Хэллибертон Энерджи Сервисиз, Инк. | Mill diverter containing expanding material to prevent fluid leaks through material |
WO2015065321A1 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2015-05-07 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Downhole communication between wellbores utilizing swellable materials |
EP3063362A4 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2017-08-23 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Downhole communication between wellbores utilizing swellable materials |
AU2013404088B2 (en) * | 2013-10-28 | 2016-09-22 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Downhole communication between wellbores utilizing swellable materials |
US10174558B2 (en) | 2013-10-28 | 2019-01-08 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Downhole communication between wellbores utilizing swellable materials |
WO2015099910A1 (en) * | 2013-12-23 | 2015-07-02 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Screened production sleeve for multilateral junctions |
US9574428B2 (en) | 2013-12-23 | 2017-02-21 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Screened production sleeve for multilateral junctions |
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US10662710B2 (en) | 2015-12-15 | 2020-05-26 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Wellbore interactive-deflection mechanism |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2585489C (en) | 2011-01-25 |
GB0707832D0 (en) | 2007-05-30 |
US7584795B2 (en) | 2009-09-08 |
GB2437632B (en) | 2011-04-06 |
NO20072086L (en) | 2007-10-25 |
NO339649B1 (en) | 2017-01-16 |
CA2585489A1 (en) | 2007-10-24 |
GB2437632A (en) | 2007-10-31 |
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